Papers
2
Total Citations
50
H-Index
2
About
Anu Piira’s research focuses on neurorehabilitation, specifically targeting motor recovery and quality of life in individuals with spinal cord injury (SCI). Her major contributions lie in critically evaluating the efficacy of robot-assisted and body-weight supported locomotor training. In a landmark 2019 randomized clinical trial (37 citations), she demonstrated that robot-assisted locomotor training did not significantly improve walking function in patients with chronic incomplete SCI compared to conventional therapy—a finding that challenged prevailing assumptions and guided more targeted rehabilitation protocols. Complementing this, her work on psychological outcomes (13 citations) revealed that while locomotor training may not enhance walking, it can positively influence quality of life and emotional well-being in those with long-standing incomplete lesions. By integrating objective functional measures with patient-reported outcomes, Piira’s research underscores the importance of holistic rehabilitation goals. Her rigorous, evidence-based approach has informed clinical practice, helping clinicians prioritize interventions that truly benefit patients. For students and researchers, Piira’s work exemplifies the value of questioning established treatments and considering both physical and psychological dimensions of recovery after SCI.
Research Focus
Key Achievements
Top Papers
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